February 18, 2013 11:39 PM CSTFebruary 19, 2013 02:12 AM CSTHeika: The Stars owe a lot of this season to another team

Heika: The Stars owe a lot of this season to another team

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Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

MONTREAL, QC - JUNE 27: Reilly Smith of the Dallas Stars greets members of the front office after being drafted by the Stars in the third round during the 2009 NHL Entry Draft at the Bell Centre on June 27, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

You can call it a “process,” a “journey” or a “transformation,” but whatever the Stars are going through, their AHL affiliate is going to play a huge part.

In fact, it would be difficult to overstate the importance of the Texas Stars right now.

“It’s huge for us,” said Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk. “It’s something we’ve given a lot of attention to, because it’s a big part of what we need to do as an organization to get these players ready.”

As Brenden Dillon and Cody Eakin show they can play at the NHL level, both have credited their time in Cedar Park during the lockout for setting the foundation for this season. As the Stars have called up and sent down players like Jordie Benn and Jamie Oleksiak, the development process has moved forward smoothly, despite the challenges.

And as the AHL playoffs near, the Texas Stars sit first in the Western Conference at 33-14-4-4 (wins-regulation losses-overtime losses-shootout losses). That’s an incredible improvement on the 31-40-3-2 record that landed the team last in the Western Conference in 2011-12.

In many ways, the disappointing AHL season was a good thing for the organization. It allowed the Stars to reassess the NHL bench and make a move that could pay off for years.

Willie Desjardins moved from assistant coach in Dallas to head coach in the AHL. Desjardins was a head coach in junior hockey for nine seasons before taking the Stars job, and he clearly had to adapt to being a helper rather than a leader.

“It was a great experience up there, and I definitely learned a lot, but I do like running my own group,” Desjardins said. “I think it’s what I’m used to.”

Yet the fact that he spent one season with Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan is a benefit that also comes in handy. Desjardins knows what Gulutzan wants at the NHL level, and he’s been very good at getting players ready to step up seamlessly.

“I definitely think the lockout helped me this year,” Dillon said. “Just the chance to get down there and play a big role and be a part of that team, it was so much easier to make the step to the NHL.”

The Stars on Monday called up Jordie Benn and Matt Fraser, assigned Tomas Vincour back to the AHL and put Tom Wandell on a two-week conditioning assignment. Desjardins and his staff will take those two and help get them ready for their next NHL call-up.

“The ultimate goal is to win, but you have to also understand why you’re here,” Desjardins said. “We’re helping to develop these players in the right way, and we’re hoping that they will play go up there and play great after their time here.”

Desjardins said it’s bittersweet to lose good players from his roster.

“It’s the ultimate goal for every player down here to play in the NHL, so you have to be happy for them,” he said. “It’s tough, but it makes it easier when you see how happy they are.”

And Nieuwendyk said it takes a special group of people to be able to juggle all of the responsibilities and changes in the AHL.

“I can’t say enough about Willie and all of the guys down there,” Nieuwendyk said. “Willie is perfect for this job, because he understands the NHL and he understands young players. And, honestly, this is an important part of everything we’re trying to accomplish.”

Two years ago, young Jamie Benn went down to the AHL for a long playoff run under the tutelage of Gulutzan, scoring 26 points (14 goals, 12 assists) in 24 games and helping the Texas Stars reach the Calder Cup finals. It was just a hint of what a long playoff run can mean for an affiliate.

“I believe you have to learn how to win,” Desjardins said. “You have to take the steps on the way up the ladder, and every winning experience is going to help you move forward. That’s what we’re trying to do here.”

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